![\"\"\/](\"http:\/\/randalldsmith.com\/\/home\/custom\/public_html\/mjb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/restart-windows.png\")
At times, I even feel this way about my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then, when I look at all the problems in the world, aware of how complicated and messy the issues of injustice really are, I frequently feel the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I just want to press a button and let everything reboot, wake up all refreshed and renewed and ready to do things much better, to be more like we’re supposed to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s why I love this sacred season of Lent. I want to grow, I desire holiness, I pray for justice. I really do believe that things can be better and through God’s grace, we have something to do with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back on Ash Wednesday there was a lot of chatter about what people were “giving up” for Lent. I didn’t chime in then, but now I’ll tell you some of what I’m up to. A full Lenten experience is not just about “giving things up” but committing to any activities of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in order to, in a sense, restart our relationships with God and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, I am finding that the actions I have been taking work much more gradually than it does when I push a restart button. People and social problems aren’t machines, after all. Forty days is probably a good amount of time for a proper restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- In my classroom, my students and I have been praying with the CRS Lenten calendar and putting money in our rice bowl<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In my living community, the sisters and I are\u00a0eating vegetarian then donating the money we would have spent on meat to the area warming center. We are\u00a0holding Friday nights as a silent hermitage time\u00a0for contemplation. Plus, a couple of us started volunteering at a free community dinner, which I think we’ll continue\u00a0doing after Lent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personally, I am praying with the daily readings all through Lent<\/a>. \u00a0And, I’m using\u00a0a web-browser add-on called\u00a0Waste No Time<\/a>\u00a0to stop me from using Facebook or Twitter for more than 10 minutes a day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lastly, today I’m leading a small group of youth in\u00a0a CRS Food Fast retreat<\/a>. Please say a prayer for the high school students who are fasting and will engage in service-learning and prayer activities after school. \u00a0All of our actions should help us be in solidarity with those who are really hungry in other parts of the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The restart process is not pain-free, of course, but it’s so worth it. Basically, the activities of Lent are chipping away at the hardness in my heart and helping me learn some big lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The acts of service and fasting have taught me that I am way too comfortable, not just materially, but also with my plans. I’ve realized that I have fallen into a bit of a rut of liking my routine to be a certain way. \u00a0Even though I have good intentions, I practically walk around every day with my focus on my to-do list with a\u00a0giant “do not disturb” sign hanging from my face. How can I help build up the kingdom of God if I am not open, flexible and available? Am I awake to the work of God?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speaking to being awake to the work of God, the activities of prayer have helped me gain a deeper desire for more intimacy with God. \u00a0I entered Lent\u00a0looking forward to my Triduum because then I could have a little vacation. Now, I am hoping for a silent retreat over those days, almost isolated from civilization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lastly, I believe again that every little action has an impact. I realized that sometimes when I pray or do acts of charity I am tempted\u00a0to\u00a0become cynical about whether I am really making a difference. Now, because of some feedback\u00a0received from others, I’m remembering that the littlest things do indeed matter; we just don’t always know how.\u00a0\u00a0This interdependence among us reaches across the globe to our brothers and sisters who\u00a0are desperate for the pennies that we throw away, too. Our choices to be\u00a0in solidarity with them this Lent really improve their livelihood, thanks be to God. This video helps me understand that:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n